The Demon Prince

Day two.

The poetry and painting event was held at Qinghe Garden in the east of the city.

This place was originally the private garden of an old prime minister of the previous dynasty, and later it came into the possession of the royal family.

Inside the garden, winding streams meander around pavilions, bamboo shadows press against the walls, and dozens of long tables are set up by the lake, on which wine, fruit, writing brushes, ink, and stationery are laid out. When the wind blows, the aroma of wine and ink mingles together...

It looks elegant, but in reality, the garden is full of shrewd people. Groups of powerful and wealthy people stand there, smiling amicably and saying nice things.

"Long time no see, typhoon is even more impressive than before."

"Not at all, your son is a true prodigy."

"No, no, how could I possibly be more prominent than the Ninth Prince of the Prince's Mansion?"

"That's right, even Gu Shixian has been caught red-handed. I heard he accused Gu Linyuan of plagiarizing his poems in court!"

"I heard that the Ninth Prince was frail and that's why he didn't go to the border and survived by sheer luck. I never expected him to have such great talent!"

"I don't believe it!" A young man in brocade robes sneered. "Xiao Xingyue only managed to trick Gu Shixian by using a little trick. What talent does he have?"

The people next to him immediately nodded.

Gu Linyuan had cultivated his reputation in the literary world of Kyoto for many years, and his title of "Poet Immortal" was well-deserved. Even when he lost face in court, there were still people who spoke up for him.

Moreover, Xiao Xingyue came from a family of military generals, so the literary circle naturally disliked him.

Not long after, a commotion was heard at the garden gate, and the people from the Hanlin Academy had arrived.

The leader was a thin, elderly man with white hair and beard, dressed in a blue official robe.

This man was named Cui Daoyuan, a lecturer in the Hanlin Academy, a cousin of Consort Shu, and also Gu Linyuan's teacher.

When Gu Linyuan was forced to admit defeat in the imperial court that day, it was he who personally spoke up and told Gu Linyuan to stop making excuses.

He was followed by Gu Linyuan, who was dressed in a moon-white robe with a jade pendant at his waist, and still maintained his excellent demeanor.

There was a shadow in his eyes, and his voice gradually became sharper.

These days, he's been quite overwhelmed by court affairs. He still holds the title of "Poet Immortal," but every time someone calls him Gu the Poet Immortal, he feels a burning pain on his face.

Furthermore, Xiao Xingyue had already destroyed Gu Linyuan's dignity as a man, making him even more self-conscious.

The children of officials immediately surrounded him and greeted him.

"Gu Shixian has lost weight in the few days I've been away."

Gu Linyuan's eyelids twitched when he heard the words "reduced".

Is this what you call a reduction? This is called being so badly tricked by Xiao Xingyue that you can't sleep!

Cui Daoyuan nodded calmly to everyone:

"Today's poetry and painting gathering is a grand occasion, so please enjoy yourselves to the fullest. However, I would like to introduce someone else."

He stepped aside, and a young man in his early twenties stepped out.

The young man, dressed in a newly made official robe, had a fair complexion and sharp eyes. He bowed and said, "I am Xie Yuheng."

The garden suddenly became lively.

"So you're the newly appointed top scholar! Thank you!"

"I've heard that even His Majesty praised Scholar Xie's essay in the imperial examination. I've long admired him!"

"This year's candidates are truly remarkable. Xie, the top scholar, has already obtained a powerful official position upon entering public service; his future is limitless!"

Xie Yuheng smiled modestly, but his eyes revealed an undeniable arrogance.

Many people noticed that this Xie Zhuangyuan, who claimed to come from a poor family, had already gotten involved with the Hanlin Academy as soon as he became the top scholar.

He was even personally led by Cui Daoyuan to the poetry and painting festival. His path was smoother than that of many scions of noble families!

There must be something fishy going on.

Gu Linyuan and Xie Yuheng walked to the waterside pavilion, where the surrounding noise was somewhat distant. Gu Linyuan lowered his voice and said, "If Xiao Xingyue comes today, Brother Xie, you'll have to lend me a hand!"

Xie Yuheng raised his wine cup, a smile in his eyes: "Brother Gu, rest assured. How much refinement can a military family possess? He can be eloquent in court because his father, Xiao Junlin, still holds some influence, but at this grand poetry and painting event, he relies on genuine talent and learning!"

Gu Linyuan finally felt a little better: "I'm relieved to hear you say that! Today I'll make him lose face!"

No sooner had he finished speaking than a hand patted his shoulder: "Gu Shixian, have you found work in the palace yet?"

Gu Linyuan was so startled that his wine glass wobbled, spilling wine onto half of his sleeve. He whirled around and was met with a smiling face. The moment he saw that face, he instinctively turned his legs inward and took two steps back. "Xiao Xingyue! No! Don't cut me!"

This little thing, I think I've given it some kind of post-traumatic stress disorder... Xiao Xingyue chuckled: "Gu Shixian, don't be afraid, I won't chop you up anymore. I need something else to chop up, right?"

After calming his initial shock, Gu Linyuan gritted his teeth and stared at Xiao Xingyue, "Xiao Xingyue!"

Xie Yuheng put down his wine cup and sized up Xiao Xingyue. There was no obvious contempt in his eyes, but his tone was sharp: "This is the heir of the Prince of Zhenguo's mansion? I've heard so much about you, but it seems that seeing you in person is worse than hearing about you. You like to scare people behind their backs."

Sensing the hostility in the other person's words, Xiao Xingyue smiled and said, "You are the new top scholar, the new favorite of the Hanlin Academy. Not bad, not bad. You have a strong learning ability. You become like those you associate with. You have learned to be two-faced by associating with Gu Shixian."

Xie Yuheng's eyes darkened. "Who are you calling a hermaphrodite!"

Gu Linyuan gritted his teeth, "Get him!"

Just as the two were about to draw their swords against Xiao Xingyue, the garden gate suddenly fell silent; it was Consort Shu who had arrived.

She was dressed in a lake-blue palace gown, her hair was styled in a high bun, and gold hairpins hung down beside her ears. As she walked over, she exuded a dignified and noble air.

Li Wangshu followed beside her, wearing a light gold palace dress, her hair styled like that of a married woman.

A single floral decoration between her eyebrows was so striking that it was impossible to look away.

When Gu Linyuan saw her hair ornament, it felt like someone had punched him hard, and he felt a sharp pain!

The woman he once wanted to marry has now truly become Xiao Xingyue's bride!

"Aaaaah!" Gu Linyuan roared inwardly, wanting to kill Xiao Xingyue!

But when he turned around, Xiao Xingyue had already disappeared.

Looking ahead, Xiao Xingyue was already in front of Consort Shu. "Greetings, Mother-in-law!"

The rest of the people were bowing to Consort Shu.

"Greetings, Consort Shu."

"Greetings, Ninth Princess."

Consort Shu smiled gently: "Today is just a poetry gathering, so please don't stand on ceremony."

Seeing Xiao Xingyue approach, he said, "The young master has arrived as well."

Xiao Xingyue cupped his hands in greeting: "The princess has been pestering me all night, I dared not refuse."

Li Wangshu stood next to Consort Shu, secretly glaring at him, telling him not to talk nonsense.

Xiao Xingyue gave her a reassuring look, but Li Wangshu became even more worried.

Watching the subtle interaction between the two from a distance, Gu Linyuan grew increasingly jealous and quickly approached, saying, "Your Highness, today is a grand gathering of poetry and painting. All those present are scholars and gentlemen, and only those with both talent and learning are allowed to take their seats!"

But! The heir of the Prince of Zhenguo's mansion comes from a family of military generals, but I've heard he's not even qualified to go to the battlefield. He's neither good at literature nor martial arts; perhaps he's not suitable to be present?"

Many people in the garden were drinking with their heads down, but they were all listening intently.

Xie Yuheng chuckled softly and then said, "Although Gu Shixian's words are straightforward, they are not wrong. The poetry and painting event does not exclude the sons of wealthy families, but it should not allow those who are not literate to spoil the elegant atmosphere."

Li Wangshu's face turned cold. "Are you two deaf? I invited Xiao Xingyue..."

Consort Shu raised her hand and gently pressed down on the back of her hand.

Li Wangshu was taken aback, and Consort Shu gave her a look that said "Don't speak".

"Does Mother want Xiao Xingyue to handle this himself?" Li Wangshu asked in a low voice.

Consort Shu nodded. "In some situations, the more you protect someone, the more people will look down on Xiao Xingyue. If Xiao Xingyue wants to gain a foothold in literary circles, he has to speak up for himself."

Li Wangshu nodded and looked at Xiao Xingyue, wanting Xiao Xingyue to retort.

Before Xiao Xingyue could speak, a young man in blue robes stepped out from the crowd. He was thin, with clean features and simple clothes. He bowed to Consort Shu and said, "Your Highness, this student cannot agree."

Everyone looked at him, and someone recognized him: "Is this the second-place scholar, Shen Yan?"

"Indeed, please forgive my bluntness, everyone." Shen Yan said neither humbly nor arrogantly, "I have read the poem that Prince Xiao composed in court. His poem has the spirit of the frontier and the grandeur of the nation. It does not rely on piling up fancy words, nor does it have any pedantic or sickly air. If such poetic talent is not worthy of being seated here, then I am not worthy of standing here!"